The Times of India confirms we are finding more and more water everywhere on Mars. Now we know that is true even of the atmosphere: "Scientists have discovered that the upper atmosphere of Mars contains up to a hundred times more water than previously thought, a finding they say could change our understanding of the Martian climate.

The discovery, published in the journal Science, also suggested that the Red Planet might have contained lot more water in its early history, said the researchers.

Using data from the European Space Agency's Mars Express probe and Nasa's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, an international team of astronomers determined that water in the upper Martian atmosphere undergoes a process known as supersaturation, which astronomers thought could not occur on the dry, dusty planet."

Fast Track Commentary:

The wetter the better. It's difficult to think of Mars as a "dry" planet any more. One thing is for sure, when we finally get to Mars, water supply is not going to be a major problem for the new colony.

Posted: 5th October 2011

______________________________________________________________________________NEWS FROM NASA ON OPPORTUNITY'S NEW LOCATION

The Mars Rover Opportunity has begun exploring the rim of the huge Endeavour crater.

"This is different from any rock ever seen on Mars," said Steve Squyres, principal investigator for Opportunity at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. "It has a composition similar to some volcanic rocks, but there's much more zinc and bromine than we've typically seen. We are getting confirmation that reaching Endeavour really has given us the equivalent of a second landing site for Opportunity."

Fast Track Commentary:

Opportunity shows just how rich the mineral environment is on Mars. If we choose the landing site right, there were will be a wealth of materials available for us to use in small scale industry.

ESA have issued some interesting pics of an ancient lake and delta on Mars.

"ESA’s Mars Express has spotted a rare case of a crater once filled by a lake, revealed by the presence of a delta. The delta is an ancient fan-shaped deposit of dark sediments, laid down in water. It is a reminder of Mars’ past, wetter climate."Fast Track Commentary:

Mars Express has produced some stunning images which once again emphasise the importance of water in Mars's past. We are now getting clues of water action on the surface in the present. And of course we know that there are huge amounts of water present in glaciers and permafrost. Water, water everywhere!